Advantages of natural plastic
Bioplastic/natural plastic and its benefits
The natural plastic produced and processed by NaKu offers many advantages over conventional materials (e.g., petroleum-based plastics). Below, you'll learn why you should buy NaKu products.
NaKu is free of harmful substances
Conventional plastics can emit pollutants, such as plasticizers such as bisphenol A, into their environment. All components of the natural plastic, on the other hand, are easily degradable both in nature and in the human organism. For example, NaKu uses lactic acid, which is also found in the muscles of the human body.
Less risk for nature
Plant mining causes far less damage to the environment and upsets the circulatory system than oil extraction. In addition, there are far fewer risks to the environment if, for example, a truck loaded with sugar or starch overturns in an accident than an oil truck. The use of renewable raw materials instead of crude oil is therefore less risky for nature in many respects.
NaKu has a lower CO2 Output
Plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow . When burned or composted, natural plastics release only the amount of CO2 that was previously absorbed from the air through photosynthesis. Compared to burning petroleum products, this represents a significantly lower CO2 burden.
NaKu from renewable raw materials
In contrast to plastic made from petroleum, plastics made from renewable materials offer an inexhaustible source of raw materials. They can regrow within a short period of time, are grown practically on our doorstep and therefore do not require long transport routes.
NaKu can be recycled
NaKu's preferred "End of Life" scenario is the recycling of our products. This makes the most sense, especially from an ecological point of view, and is also the path we want and need to take. Our plan is that "used" products are recycled. This means that they are collected, shredded, melted down again and processed into new granules. New products can be made from the granules obtained, for example by injection moulding, extruding or blowing. Unfortunately, the flow of material is still too small at the moment to make collecting worthwhile.
NaKu means upcycling
NaKu is working intensively on using waste materials that occur during production as a starting material for natural plastic. A new step was taken with the development of the sunflower stand: the upcycling of sunflower shells from sunflower oil production makes a sensible contribution to the use of waste products. Bioplastic based on pure waste products is a further step in the direction of waste avoidance.
Bioplastic is an additional source of income for European farmers
European agriculture is characterized by overproduction. Farmers are partly subsidized for fields lying fallow. The use of corn, potatoes and grain for the cultivation and production of natural plastics from starch offers an alternative source of income.
NaKu decomposes in nature
At the landfill, bacteria get to the natural plastic and begin to break down the starch. Depending on the film thickness, weather, temperature and number of bacteria, the bioplastic decomposition process takes eight weeks to several months. Our natural plastic becomes biomass again.
NaKu Sackerl serves as a compost bag
How do you dispose of your organic waste? Paper compost bags soak easily, leave stains and can be inconvenient for consumers to dispose of. Bags made of natural plastic hold liquid organic waste and do not soak. Knot in and off to the compost. So if your NaKu bag has become unsightly after repeated use, you can use it again as a compost bag.
NaKu Sackerl is breathable and keeps food fresh for longer
Our biogenic packaging made from bioplastic is particularly breathable. Packaged baked goods, fruit, and vegetables stay fresh longer in a breathable environment and are less prone to mold growth. The material and manufacturing process of the NaKu bag have been perfected over the years to create an optimal climate for food storage. This means that the taste, appearance, and weight of the food are barely altered during storage. Bacterial growth is reduced and drying out is counteracted. This allows you to preserve the quality of your food longer and prevent it from being thrown away.
NaKu Sackerl has multiple uses
NaKu bags are durable and tear-resistant. They can be stored space-savingly and are quickly accessible. They can be reused multiple times. At the end of their life, they can simply be composted. On average, only one in five regular/conventional plastic bags is reused.
The NaKu bag has a wide range of uses. First and foremost, it's used for carrying food and produce home, just like regular bags. Afterward, it can be reused to keep things fresh. The NaKu bag is also washable. However, it shouldn't come into contact with mold for extended periods. At the end of its life, when it's become unsightly, it can be used as a compost bag, where it will decompose into humus and a breeding ground for new plants.
Further information – Circular economy and more
Learn more here about bioplastics and the bioplastics cycle, as well as about different end-of-life scenarios. Products from the NaKu standard range can be found here, and you can go directly to the NaKu online shop here.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What advantages does NaKu's natural plastic/bioplastic have over conventional plastics?
NaKu products are free of harmful substances because they do not contain plasticizers such as bisphenol A. The use of renewable raw materials reduces CO2 emissions and conserves petroleum resources.
How does NaKu contribute to the circular economy?
NaKu focuses on recycling and upcycling. The products are both mechanically and chemically recyclable, allowing raw materials to be reused. In addition, waste products such as sunflower husks are upcycled during production to create new products.
What practical advantages do the products offer in everyday life?
Taking the example of NaKu organic food storage bags: NaKu organic food storage bags are breathable and proven to keep food fresh longer. They are also tear-resistant and can be used multiple times before being composted or recycled.
